Words by Kali Madden
In the spirit of International Women’s Day yesterday, we salute the beginning of this week with mixes from selectresses across the globe.
Kelissa Anabessa x Shacia Payne – Anabessa World Mixtape
Kelissa Anbessa and Shacia Payne lead the charge this week with Anabessa World Mixtape, Kelissa’s hail to sound system culture and the foundation of music that she holds dear. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Kelissa moved with her family to East Africa when she was 15. From there, Kelissa really honed in on the principles of Rastafari and her roots that she has intentionally planted in her music. This 17-track mix has Kelissa riding classic riddims such as Real Rock and Stalag alongside familiar voices like Mr. Vegas, Lila Ike, Kabaka Pyramid and her brother, Keznamdi. LA-based Jamaican selectress Shacia Payne, daughter of Stephen Marley, blends it all up, creating a vibe reminiscent of an intimate stageshow lined with the artists we love. Listen to the Anabessa World Mixtape here:
Carol I – Ganjah Ladies
Carol I, aka Carolyn Jiminez, is a reggae/dancehall DJ based in Costa Rica. Her latest mix Pum Pum Powa is making waves across Central America but is unfortunately unavailable here in the US. Not to worry because Carol I’s 2019 mix Ganjah Ladies is still keeping us moving. The strictly reggae set begins with Etana’s unforgettable ballad “Reggae” and flows for over one hour with 420 favorites like Alborosie’s “Still Blazing” perfectly blended with Chronixx’s “Perfect Tree.” An ode to all ladies, and more pertinently, Ganjah Ladies. Link up for Carol-I’s revival throwback vibe here:
DJ Green B – Fi Wi Dancehall Mix 2020
Beverly Green, aka DJ Green B, is the Bay Area’s diligent selectress. Hard working and stellar at networking, DJ Green B is also known for releasing several mixes each year with a steady rotation of reggae, dancehall and afrobeats. We’ve already got a great one for 2020! Fi Wi Dancehall Mix 2020 already has over 7k spins on SoundCloud. Current in all that’s new in the dancehall, the mix features big 2020 tunes from newcomers Alicai Harley, Fiixtiings, Skillibeng and veterans such as Buju Blanton, Popcaan and more. Listen to DJ Green B’s all inclusive Fi Wi mix here:
Nikki Kush – Whine and Bubble: Strictly Fi Di Gyal Dem
Nikki Kush is another worldwide selectress. Originally from Santiago, Chile, the LA-based DJ is a top a top reggae/dancehall advocate. Also known for her moves on the dance floor, it’s always a turn up around Nikki Kush! Her latest mix is a timely tribute as we celebrate all women. According to Kush, “Whine and Bubble: Strictly Fi Di Gyal Dem is dedicated to all those empowered women who enjoy themselves dancing to the riddim of dancehall, without thinking about prejudices of what people may think.” Up to di time. It’s a dancehall queen celebration with Whine and Bubble:Strictly Fi Di Gyal Dem. Listen here:
Kali Madden – Evolve Vol. 3
To conclude our International Women’s Day edition of Mixtape Mondays, I’ll introduce myself: Kali Madden, a new contributor here at LargeUp, originally from Kingston, Jamaica and now a California-based selectress. Evolve Vol. 3 is my recent roots reggae blend, beginning nyabinghi style with Ken Booth’s “Rastaman Chant.” The mix features tunes from Fikir Amlak, Jah Bami, Chezidek, and more. Evolve with me here:
Celebrating women is the omega to our alpha and it’s something LargeUp does 365 days a year. One way we do this is giving a strength to all queens on the daily. Bless up until next week!